10 At-Home Keratin Treatments Stylists Recommend for Salon-Level Smoothness

With top picks from Nexxus, Hask, and Kérastase.

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At Home Keratin Treatments

Byrdie / Kevin Liang

When in-salon keratin treatments exploded onto the scene over a decade ago, they were one of the most innovative new services the beauty industry had seen in quite some time. Finally, a semi-permanent solution for people looking to lock out static and smooth out curls, no hot tools required. Keratin is a fibrous protein naturally found in the hair that’s responsible for keeping it both strong and smooth and acts as a barrier to lock out humidity. Hair that’s low in keratin tends to be porous, and in turn more susceptible to static; keratin treatments work by delivering a hefty dose of the protein to fill in these "holes." There are a variety of different types out there, explains celebrity stylist Fuat Celik, of the Cédric Salon. Apart from smoothing hair, some formulas can chemically alter the structure of the hair, resulting in an even greater straightening effect.

There are some drawbacks, though; many pro-strength treatments do contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. There’s also the time and money factor. Enter at-home DIY keratin treatments, which deliver smoothing results in as little as one application at a much lower price tag. Rather than penetrating deep into the hair, they sit on the surface, acting more like a reparative conditioning treatment. Still, the DIY keratin can have similar effects—making your hair stronger, smoother, and sleeker—they just won’t last as long.

We conducted hours of research on the highest rated keratin treatments to use at home, evaluating each formula on type, ease of application, and results. After consulting with a professional hair stylist, and considering dozens of options, we landed on these picks.

Best Overall

Nexxus Keraphix Gel Treatment

Nexxus Keraphix Gel Treatment for Damaged Hair

Amazon

What We Like
  • Protein rich

  • Easy to use where needed

  • Works on all hair types

What We Don’t Like
  • Must be paired with shampoo and conditioner for best results

The at-home version of a more intense in-salon treatment (and a favorite among Byrdie editors), this protein-packed treatment not only uses keratin, but also collagen, elastin, and black rice extract - three ingredients that help strengthen hair and promote growth. This power dose of protein for your hair helps repair visible damage almost instantly, all while leaving it silky and shiny, too. Also nice: You can easily apply it just where it’s needed (think beat-up ends or static-y roots), and it works equally well on all hair types.

Who It’s For

This hero product is our pick for anyone who wants to dip a toe into at-home keratin treatments. That said, its protein-rich, strengthening formula makes it a particularly great fit for anyone with damaged or chemically-treated hair

Type: Gel | Size: 0.67 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Budget

Hask Keratin Deep Conditioner Packette

Hask Keratin Protein Repairing nourishing Smoothing Deep Conditioner

Walmart

What We Like
  • Creates a glossy sheen

  • Great for beginners

  • Also works as a deep conditioner

What We Don’t Like
  • Single-use packaging isn’t sustainable

This portable, single-use pack rings in at just a few dollars—a major boon for anyone on a budget or who isn’t sure if a keratin treatment is right for them. The keratin protein in the formula quickly restores softness and bounce and leaves hair with a glass-like sheen. It pulls double duty as a deep conditioner, too. We suggest taking it with you on any beach vacay (when your hair inevitably will take a beating from salt and sun) for an instant beauty boost. The only thing we don’t love about it is the excessive packaging.

Who It’s For

An accessible price point makes this product great for anyone on a budget, although it should be noted that this is more of an intensive conditioning mask than a keratin treatment akin to what you’d find at a salon.

Type: Deep Conditioner | Size: 1.75 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Drugstore

TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum

TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Hair Shine Anti-Frizz Serum

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Available at most drugstore chains

  • Delivers multiple benefits

  • Can use on dry or damp hair

What We Don’t Like
  • Does contain silicones

Keratin works synergistically with marula oil (a plant oil rich in hydrating amino acids and antioxidants) in this drugstore find. The serum is non-greasy and fast-absorbing, it also leaves hair gorgeously glossy—basically like you just walked out of a blowout. Another bonus: it reduces static for up to 48 hours. The only downside is that the formula contains silicones, which can build up on your hair, leaving it dry and dull. 

Who It’s For

This affordable keratin serum is also one of the most accessible on our list. Look out for it on your next drugstore beauty haul. 

Type: Serum | Size: 3.3 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Conditioner

Kérastase Resistance Conditioner

Kérastase Resistance Ciment Anti-Usure Conditioner

Sephora

What We Like
  • Can be used daily

  • Works on all hair types

  • Shine-boosting formula 

What We Don’t Like
  • May weigh down fine hair

  • Most expensive product on our list

If you want to reap the benefits of keratin on the reg, choose this daily conditioner, which uses a blend of amino acids, keratin, and ceramides (lipids that strengthen and help with moisture retention).  Not only does it bolster the hair fibers and help fend off breakage and split ends (yes, please), but it also increases shine and softness. It works great on super straight or super curly hair, but reviewers with fine hair noted it weighed their strands down.

Who It’s For

If your hair could do with a more regular application of strengthening keratin, this conditioner is an effective daily treatment

Type: Conditioner | Size: 6.8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Curly Hair

It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Plus Keratin

It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Plus Keratin

Walmart

What We Like
  • Delivers multiple benefits

  • Uses two kinds of keratin

  • Works on all hair types

What We Don’t Like
  • Contains parabens

Stylist and salon owner Fuat Celik says smoothing products that contain keratin are one of his favorite safe ways to reap the benefits of keratin at home, and this leave-in treatment is one of his top picks. While this formula is effective on all hair types, it’s especially great for curly girls, using a blend of both keratin amino acids and hydrolyzed keratin (keratin that has gone through a chemical process and is broken down in a way that allows it to penetrate the hair cuticle), as well as panthenol, a lightweight conditioning ingredient. It may not leave you with super straight hair, but what it can do is help smooth your spirals, for a more defined, polished look.

Who It’s For

Our curly-haired friends will love this leave-in keratin treatment, which helps detangle and enhance natural body while removing static. 

Type: Liquid | Size: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Strengthening

Keratin Complex Infusion Keratin Replenisher

Keratin Complex Infusion Keratin Replenisher

Amazon

What We Like
  • Contains a hefty amount of keratin

  • Can use on dry or damp hair

  • Reduces blow drying time

What We Don’t Like
  • Some reviewers say it doesn’t condition overly-processed hair effectively 

The Keratin Complex uses hydrolyzed keratin helps to keep your hair smooth and straight, while wheat protein and soy protein provide strength and encourage growth. Additionally, the formula eschews sodium chloride, a common thickening ingredient used in haircare which is known to strip keratin treatments from strands, jeopardizing longevity.

Who It’s For

If you got a keratin treatment at the salon, be sure to order this “replenisher.” Using it daily in between treatments will help prolong the smoothing effects of the keratin.  

Type: Cream | Size: 2.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Damaged Hair

Rene Furterer Absolue Keratine Repairing Serum

Rene Furterer Absolue Keratine Repairing Serum

Rene Furterer

What We Like
  • Can be used daily

  • Silicone-free

  • Imparts heat protection

What We Don’t Like
  • Only comes in a small (1.0 fl. oz.) bottle size

Our expert, Fuat Celik, also likes this product, praising it as an especially good choice for those with damaged hair. It’s meant to be used on ends specifically, helping to strengthen the most fragile parts of the hair and ward off split ends. Credit a combo of ingredients such as plant-based keratin and camelina oil, an Omega 3-rich nourishing ingredient that also helps protect the hair from heat styling by coating the strands. We just wish it came in a slightly bigger bottle

Who It’s For

If you have damaged hair that’s plagued by split ends, this nourishing keratin formula will help strengthen and repair it. 

Type: Serum | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Static-Prone Hair

Color Wow Dream Coat Anti-Frizz Treatment

Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray Anti-Frizz Treatment

Sephora

What We Like
  • Long-lasting

  • Works on all hair types

  • Blocks humidity to prevent static

What We Don’t Like
  • Must use a blow-dryer with it

Curly and wavy hair types tend to be more prone to static than straight hair types thanks to their coily shape, which makes it harder for natural oils to travel from the scalp down the strands. This product creates a shield-like coating on the hair, helping to ward off static-inducing humidity while locking in moisture and shine (and strength, too).  “This acts as a mini keratin treatment and lasts for three to four washes,” says our expert, Celik. Just FYI, the formula is heat-activated, so you will need to bust out the blow dryer.

Who It’s For

If your hair is prone to static or poofs up at the first sign of rain, this humidity-resistant, heat-activated keratin spray will be your new best friend.

Type: Liquid | Size: 6.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Hair Color

Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Intensive Caring Cream

Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Intensive Caring Cream

Amazon

What We Like
  • Full coverage, including grays

  • Hydrolyzed keratin prevents damage from dye chemical

  • Comes with a conditioning pre-color serum

What We Don’t Like
  • Permanent color; best for well-versed DIYers

Like heat styling, coloring your hair can also contribute to the breakdown of your natural keratin. That’s why we think it’s so brilliant that this permanent DIY dye, which comes in 30 color options, is infused with hydrolyzed keratin to help combat those effects from the outset. To lock in extra moisture, use the pre-color serum and follow your dye packet with the accompanying conditioning treatment

Who It’s For

Whether you want to cover greys or try a new shade, this keratin hair dye will care for your locks as you color them. We think this formula would work best in the hands of a seasoned DIY dyer, so newbies beware. 

Type: Permanent color | Size: 1 application | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Serum

Vitamins Keratin Protein Hair Serum

Vitamins Keratin Protein Hair Serum

Amazon

What We Like
  • Affordable

  • Can be used daily

  • Lightweight

What We Don’t Like
  • Contains fragrance

Stylists recommend a keratin-enriched serum for instant smoothing and protection benefits. A fan favorite on Amazon, reviewers (with all different hair types) rave about the effects of this serum, which combines hydrolyzed keratin along with biotin and collagen for a serious strengthening boost. Castor and coconut oils make it very moisturizing, though it’s still lightweight and won’t leave your hair feeling greasy or heavy.

Who It’s For

If you’re in search of a velvety serum that will tame static while also boosting hair strength, add this product to your cart. 

Type: Serum | Size: 4.25 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Where We Stand

The Nexxus Keraphix Gel Treatment for Damaged Hair earns the top spot on our list. This protein-rich reparative treatment can easily be used all over your hair or just on specific areas that need a little strengthening boost, like brittle ends. Our favorite budget keratin treatment is Hask's Keratin Protein Smoothing Deep Conditioner Packette—an instant, affordable smoothing solution that delivers concentrated results.

What to Look for in a Keratin Treatment

FAQ
  • What are the benefits of keratin treatments?

    These types of at-home smoothing keratin treatments are beneficial for those who either don’t want or need something as intense as an in-salon keratin treatment, but they do want a little extra smoothing, says Cédric.


    At-home keratin treatments aren’t equivalent to what you’ll find at the salon by any means, but they can be a good way to help smooth and strengthen hair, albeit temporarily.

  • How often should you use keratin treatments?

    Your best bet is to follow the directions of the particular product you choose, says Cédric, although typically they can be used as often as needed, he says.

  • Do keratin treatments work for all hair types?

    Yes, most are formulated for all hair types, says Cédric, although the exact results you achieve will depend on your hair type to a certain extent. For example, those with super curly, coarse, or frizzy hair may not see as much of a benefit from at-home products as those with naturally finer or straighter hair, he says.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. While her fine hair is fairly straight, she is always looking for products that can help strengthen it, so she does reach for at-home keratin treatments occasionally or whenever she feels like her hair could use a little extra TLC.

Additional guidance was provided by celebrity stylist Fuat Celik, of the Cédric Salon, New York.

Byrdie contributor Esme Benjamin checked and updated this article in November 2023 to ensure every detail was correct and each product deserves its place on Byrdie’s list of the best keratin treatments.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any keratin treatments from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

Updated by Jill DiDonato
Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
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